Mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror

ABSTRACT

Fasteners and methods for mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror without requiring removal of the previously installed mirror are provided. Each fastener includes a support panel. A first bracket portion extends from a first face of the support panel and is configured to receive a portion of an outer edge of the previously installed mirror. A second bracket portion extends from a second face of the support panel and is configured to receive the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/465,241 filed Mar. 21, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/311,236 filed on Mar. 21, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/312,566 filed on Mar. 24, 2016, the disclosures of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully restated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fasteners for mirror frames. More particularly, the present invention relates to fasteners for mirror frames which allow a mirror frame to be mounted onto a pre-mounted mirror without the use of adhesives.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Homes will sometimes come with previously installed mirrors, and the homeowner will usually want to make the mirror more aesthetically appealing. The homeowner usually adds a personalized touch to the mirror by mounting a frame onto the previously installed mirror. Traditional methods of mounting the frame onto the mirror rely on permanent fasteners such as nails, adhesives, or screws. Because of this reliance on permanent fasteners, traditional mirror frames are difficult to adjust or replace. Additionally, traditional mirror frame fasteners frequently require the previously installed mirror to be removed before the frame can be mounted onto the mirror.

An objective of the present invention is to address this issue by providing fasteners for mirror frames which do not require the mirror to be removed. Additionally, the present invention makes use of fasteners that are not permanent. Thus, allowing the user to switch frames as desired. The present invention makes use of multiple brackets that can be easily removed from or affixed onto the previously installed mirror.

The present invention is intended to be perimetrically distributed around the frame and the previously installed mirror. This positioning enables the present invention to be used to mount frames of varying shape and size by distributing the present invention around the perimeter of the frame, the user is able to distribute the weight of the frame around the surface of the previously installed mirror.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the present invention taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a left-side view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a left-side view of the present invention with the first brace extended.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention with the first brace extended.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention, the fastener for mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror, is an attachment mechanism that enables a user to retrofit a mirror with a desired frame. To accomplish this, the present invention makes use of a fastener that has opposing brackets which connect to the frame and the mirror respectively. The preferred method of use for the present invention is to attach a plurality of fasteners to the frame and then attach the frame to the mirror. By making use of a plurality of fasteners, the user is able to distribute the weight of a frame, and mount uniquely shaped frames onto uniquely shaped mirrors. Furthermore, the use of a plurality of fastener enables the user to attach a frame to a mirror without the use of adhesives, screws, or nails.

The present invention functions as a mounting device by combining the use of multiple braces that are positioned to form brackets which attach to the both the mirror and the frame. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a support panel 1, a first brace 2, and a second brace 4. The support panel 1 is a rigid and flat slab of material that comprises a first face 11, a second face 12, a first lengthwise edge 13, and a second lengthwise edge 14. The first lengthwise edge 13 and the second lengthwise edge 14 are positioned opposite to each other across the support panel 1 so that the support panel 1 can be manufactured in a rectangular or trapezoidal shape. The positioning of the first lengthwise edge 13 and the second lengthwise edge 14 ensures that the first brace 2 will be able to attach the frame around the edge of the mirror. The second brace 4 enables the user to mount the frame in a position which facilitates creating a desired aesthetic.

The general configuration of the aforementioned components allows the present invention to efficiently and effectively make use of a rigid panel as the first brace 2. The first brace 2 is positioned offset and parallel from the first face 11. Consequently, the first brace 2 is used to fasten the present invention onto the mirror by letting the mirror slide between the first brace 2 and the support panel 1. To expound upon this, the first brace 2 is mounted onto the first face 11. As a result, the first brace 2 is configured to attach the present invention onto the edge of a mirror. The first brace 2 can be mounted onto the support panel 1 using components such as, but not limited to, clamps, spring-loaded leverage systems, rigid beams, and bars. Conversely, the second brace 4 is a rigid panel that is positioned offset and parallel from the second face 12. Thus positioned, the second brace 4 is used to fasten the present invention onto the frame by letting the frame slide in between the second brace 4 and the support panel 1. Additionally, the second brace 4 acts as a connection mechanism that is used to affix the frame to the present invention. The second brace 4 is mounted onto the second face 12; the side of the support panel 1 that is opposite to the first brace 2. Furthermore, the first brace 2 and the second brace 4 are positioned offset from each other across the support panel 1. Thus, the present invention is able to receive the mirror and the frame from opposing directions while still being able to use the support panel to evenly distribute the weight of the frame along the edge of the mirror to which the present invention is attached.

The present invention further comprises a first extension web 3 that is a rigid member. The first brace 2 is mounted onto the first face 11 by the first extension web 3. The first extension web is preferably a rigid beam that extends between the first brace 2 and the support panel 1. Preferably, this connection forms a U-shaped bracket that fits over the edge of the mirror. Consequently, the first extension web 3 maintains the first brace 2 in a position that enables the first brace 2 to brace the present invention against the mirror on which the present invention is mounted. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first brace 2 and the first extension web 3 are both elongated strips. These elongated strips run the length of the support panel 1 and are used to distribute the weight of the frame along the support panel 1 and the mirror. Additionally, the first extension web 3 is adjacently and perpendicularly connected to the first face 11. Furthermore, the first brace 2 is mounted onto the first face 11 by the first extension web 3. Thus positioned, the first brace 2, the first extension web 3, and the support panel 1 form a U-shaped bracket that rests on the edge of the mirror on which the present invention is mounted. Finally, the first extension web 3 is positioned along the first lengthwise edge 13. Accordingly, the first extension web 3 and the first brace 2 prevent the frame from rotating about the edge of the mirror. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first brace 2 comprises a free end 22 and a fixed end 21. The first brace 2 is mounted onto the first face 11 by the fixed end 21. Thus positioned, the first brace 2 forms a U-shaped bracket with the first extension web 3 and the support panel 1. This bracket shape enables the present invention to support the weight of the frame. A sagittal cross section of the first brace 2 tapers from the fixed end 21 to the free end 22 so that the first brace 2 can be wedged behind the mirror.

The present invention further comprises a second extension web 5 that is a rigid member, which extends from the support panel 1, opposite to the first extension web 3. Preferably, the second brace 4, the support panel 1, and the second extension web 5 form a U-shaped bracket that fits into the frame. The second brace 4 is mounted onto the second face 12 by the second extension web 5. Consequently, the second extension web 5 maintains the second brace 4 in a position that enables the second brace 4 to brace the present invention against the frame to which it is affixed. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second brace 4 and the second extension web 5 are both elongated strips. These elongated strips run the length of the support panel 1 and are used to distribute the weight of the frame along the support panel 1. Additionally, the second extension web 5 is adjacently and perpendicularly connected to the second face 12. As a result, the second extension web 5 forms the connection member that is able to maintain the second brace 4 in a position that facilitates affixing a frame to the present invention. Furthermore, the second brace 4 is mounted onto the second face 12 by the second extension web 5. Thus positioned, the second brace 4, the second extension web 5, and the support panel 1 form a bracket that can be inserted into the frame to which the present invention is affixed. Finally, the second extension web 5 is positioned in between the first lengthwise edge 13 and the second lengthwise edge 14. Accordingly, the second extension web 5 and the second brace 4 are able to prevent the frame from moving out of an aesthetically pleasing position. This positioning prevents the frame from being easily dislodged.

The present invention further comprises a plurality of connection tabs 6. Each of the plurality of connection tabs 6 is a rigid support beam. Additionally, the plurality of connection tabs 6 is connected in between the second brace 4 and the second face 12 so that the plurality of connection tabs 6 is able to increase the rigidity of the second brace 4. The plurality of connection tabs 6 is distributed along the second brace 4. Consequently, the plurality of connection tabs 6 functions as a stabilization system which distributes the weight of the frame along the second brace 4 and the support panel 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a transversal cross section for each of the plurality of connection tabs 6 has a trapezoidal shape with a set of rounded vertices. As a result, each of the plurality of connection tabs 6 is designed to fit into the frame and prevent the frame from being laterally displaced, relative to the second brace 4.

In addition to supporting the weight of the frame, the second brace is configured to prevent the frame from becoming dislodged. To that end, the second brace 4 comprises a free edge 42 and a fixed edge 41. The second brace 4 is mounted onto the second face 12 by the fixed edge 41. Thus positioned, the second brace 4 forms a U-shaped bracket with the second extension web 5 and the support panel 1. This bracket shape enables the present invention to support the weight of the frame. The free edge 42 and the fixed edge 41 are positioned opposite to each other across the second brace 4. Accordingly, the free edge 42 functions as a support on which the frame rests while transferring the weight of the frame through the second brace 4 to the second extension web 5, which is connected to the fixed edge 41. The plurality of connection tabs 6 is positioned coincident with the fixed edge 41 so that the plurality of connection tabs 6 is able to further support the second extension web 5 and the second brace 4. The plurality of connection tabs 6 is positioned offset with the free edge 42. Consequently, the free edge 42 forms a lip that extends past the plurality of connection tabs 6 and further secures the frame. The second brace 4 preferably has a lip that extends from the fixed edge 41. This lip further restricts movement of the frame until the present invention is disengaged by the user.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror without requiring removal of the previously installed mirror, said apparatus comprising: a support panel having a first face and a second face; a first bracket portion extending from said first face and configured to receive a portion of an outer edge of said previously installed mirror; and a second bracket portion extending from said second face and configured to receive said frame.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said first bracket portion comprises a first extension web extending horizontally outward from said first face and a first brace extending vertically downward from said first extension web; and said first face, an inner surface of said first extension web, and an inner surface of said first brace define a channel configured to receive the portion of the outer edge of said previously installed mirror.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein: said second bracket portion comprises a second extension web extending horizontally outward from said second face and a second brace extending vertically upwards from said second extension web; the second brace is configured to be inserted into the frame such that an inner surface of the frame rests against the second face and an interior surface of the frame is supported by the second brace and the second extension web when inserted.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein: said support panel, said first brace, and said second brace are spaced apart and extend parallel with one another.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising: a number of connection tabs extending between said support panel and said second brace.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein: each of said connection tabs comprises a trapezoidal cross section.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the support panel, the first bracket portion, and the second bracket portion are integrally formed.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein: the support panel, the first bracket portion, and the second bracket portion are comprised of a polymer.
 9. A method for mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror without removing the previously installed mirror, said method comprising the steps of: providing a number of fasteners, each comprising a support panel having a first face and a second face, a first bracket portion extending from said first face, and a second bracket portion extending from said second face; securing the first bracket portion of each of said number of fasteners in a spaced apart manner about at an outer edge of said previously installed mirror; and securing the second bracket portion of each of said number of fasteners to said frame.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein: the first bracket portion of each of said number of fasteners comprises a first extension web extending horizontally outward from said first face and a first brace extending vertically downward from said first extension web; and said first face, an interface surface of said first extension web, and an inner surface of said first brace of each of said number of fasteners define a channel configured to receive a respective portion of the outer edge of said previously installed mirror.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein: said second bracket portion of each of said number of fasteners comprises a second extension web extending horizontally outward from said second face and a second brace extending vertically upwards from said second extension web; and the second brace of each of said number of fasteners is configured to be inserted into a respective portion of the frame such that an inner surface of the frame rests against the second face and an interior surface of the frame is supported by the second brace and the second extension web.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of: forming a groove in the inner surface of the frame; and securing the second brace of each of said number of fasteners within said groove.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein: each of said number of fasteners further comprise a number of connection tabs extending between said support panel and said second brace of each of said number of fasteners.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein: each of said connection tabs comprises a trapezoidal cross section.
 15. A fastener for mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror without requiring removal of the previously installed mirror, said fastener comprising: a support panel comprising a first face configured to rest against an outer surface of the previously installed mirror and a second face configured to rest against an inner surface of the frame when said fastener is installed; a first extension web extending horizontally outward from an upper edge of the first face; a first brace extending vertically downward from a distal edge of said first extension web, wherein an inner surface of the first extension web, an inner surface of the first brace, and the first face define a channel configured to receive a portion of an outer edge of the previously installed mirror; a second extension web extending horizontally outward from a mid-portion of the second face; and a second brace extending vertically upwards from a distal edge of said second extension web, wherein said second extension web is sized to extend said second brace to an interior location within said frame such that said second face is configured to rest against the inner surface of said frame and said second brace is configured to support an interior surface of said frame when said fastener is installed.
 16. The fastener of claim 15 further comprising: a number of connection tabs extending between said second face, said second brace, and said second extension web.
 17. The fastener of claim 16 wherein: each of said number of connection tabs comprise a trapezoidal cross section.
 18. The fastener of claim 15 wherein: said second extension web is connected to said second brace between an upper edge and a lower edge of said second brace such that a lower edge of said second brace extends below said second extension web.
 19. The fastener of claim 15 wherein: said first brace comprises a lower edge; said support panel comprises a lower edge; and said lower edge of said support panel extends below said lower edge of said first brace.
 20. The fastener of claim 15 wherein: said support panel comprises an upper edge; said second brace comprises an upper edge; and said upper edge of said support panel extends above said upper edge of said second brace. 